Chapter Four

Cole was released from the hospital a few days later. He sat on his living room couch, Reed beside him.

"Um, I still want to thank you for helping me," Cole said, fidgeting in his seat.

"I care about you, Cole," Reed said. "I promised to protect you, and I plan on keeping that promise," he told him. Reed caressed Cole's hand, and both of them felt a tingling feeling. It felt as if there was a small electric shock.

"Reed, what does this mean?" Cole inquired, unsure how to respond.

"We're mates," Reed said. Cole's hazel eyes were full of fear and doubt. The term "mate" evoked unpleasant memories.

"I'm not rejecting you, but I can't think about that right now," he replied, heading back to his bedroom.

Reed wanted to hurry after Cole and hug him tightly, but he understood his friend needed space and time. Reed was not focused on the vacant side of the couch; instead, he was engrossed in television. A door opened in the distance hours later. Reed looked over his shoulder as he heard the patter of feet. Cole stood not far from the couch. His hair was unkempt, and his hazel eyes were bloodshot. Clearly from crying. Reed rose from the couch and approached Cole.

"If I upset you, I'm sorry," Reed said.

"I'm not upset," Cole explained. "The whole mate thing terrifies me," he said. 

Reed took Cole's hands in his and kissed them, saying, "Take as much time as you need, then give me your answer when you're ready." Reed pulled Cole into a soothing hug that lasted several moments.

"I should go and check on the studio," Reed advised. "Would you like to come with me?" he asked him.

"Yes, I'd like that," Cole replied above a whisper, nodding. "Can I draw this time?" he inquired as they approached the studio.

"You can do whatever you want," Reed assured him. "You don't need to ask for my permission," he said, kissing Cole on the forehead.

Reed offered a lesson, but Cole chose to work on his sketch in a corner of the room. The two pupils from earlier arrived.

"Alright, everyone, start your projects," Reed stated as he sat on a chair at the front of the room. When class finished, Reed realized Cole had quietly left. He strolled over to where Cole had seated and had a look at the finished sketch. It was a sketch of Cole on his bed, with his knees pulled up to his chest and arms wrapped over them. Reed was brokenhearted when he saw the sorrowful eyes in the photo. There must be a way to make those tearful eyes smile once more.

Reed dismissed his pupils, grabbed the sketch, and searched for Cole. He discovered Cole seated on a bench outside, drinking from a bottle of water.

"Are you alright?" Reed inquired, sitting near him.

"Yeah, I just wanted to get some work done," Cole explained.

"You draw well," Reed said. "But why a sad photo?" he inquired, spreading the sketch out between them.

"I don't know," Cole said quietly. "It just came into my head," he explained.

"Don't take it the wrong way, but how were you feeling at that time?" Reed inquired. Cole was staring at his feet.

"Calm at first, then numb like my world was crumbling," he told him.

Cole got up and grabbed his bottle. "I better get back to work," he remarked, returning inside. The rest of the day was slow and quiet, with the exception of a few people who came to buy art. Cole was still wary of strangers, so Reed handled the transactions.

"Would you like to grab something to eat?" Reed inquired as they concluded the day. "It would be a changeup from cooking," he informed me.

"I'd like that," Cole said with a pleasant smile.

"Ah, there's the smile I've missed," Reed murmured, kissing Cole on the cheek. Cole's cheeks turned rosy pink.

They entered The Early Riser Cafe and grabbed a table near the door. A waitress approached and set a menu in front of each person. "I'll be back to take your orders," the blonde said, smiling at them and going away. Cole picked up the menu and perused his options.

"Have you eaten here before?" Reed inquired.

"No, I usually eat at home," Cole said, shaking his head.

"They have good muffins here," Reed observed casually.

"Are you ready to order?" the waitress inquired as she returned with a paper and pens.

"I'll take the oatmeal muffin and a small black coffee," Reed said. She jotted down Reed's order and then concentrated on Cole.

"What will you have?" she inquired.

"Um, a blueberry muffin and a glass of milk," Cole replied. 

A few moments later, their orders arrived, and they began eating. "Despite being a sad sketch, your photo was well drawn," Reed said. "Have you drawn before?" he inquired.

"This was my first time," Cole said, laying the glass down.

"Well, you are talented for someone who hasn't drawn before," Reed said with pride.

"I'm not that good," Cole said.

"Cole, stop putting yourself down," Reed replied. "You're better than you think," he said.

"You really think so?" Cole asked.

"I would never lie to you," Reed promised. Cole sat quietly, processing what Reed had told him.

"I'd like to continue drawing," he murmured, his hazel eyes sparkling.

Cole said a quiet "but" to Reed. He leaned in and inquired, "But what?"

"No showing my drawings unless I give permission," Cole said.

"You've got a deal," Reed remarked with a nod and a pleasant smile.

"Plus, I don't want to get into something, then have to move," says Cole.

"That will never happen," Reed stated. "This is your home now," he commented. Cole was captivated by the idea of truly having a home, and not having to move again.

"Having a home and a family does sound nice," Cole exclaimed aloud.

"Do you have any family?" Reed questioned. Cole bit on his bottom lip. "Anyone to help you?"

"An older brother, but he's busy with school," he replied.